“Clear the way for the Hero. Step aside!”
At a glance, it was the actions of a trained hound. In reality, he just wanted to avoid having to look at his master.
After passing through the crowd and fortifications, he caught sight of the monster horde approaching from far away. And in front were two figures.
“Oh, they appear to be eager as well. Sir Hero, what should we do about the troops back at the camp?”
“There is a possibility that they will use a surprise attack to confuse us. Assign a thousand cavalry and a thousand infantry to defense duty. And then position the others behind the dueling grounds. And we must also prepare for the possibility that the monsters will make a desperate charge after their general is defeated.
The Hero’s voice rang behind him, grating Poro’s nerves.
It was a feeling he had not felt before.
“Now, regarding the strategy for this battle…”
“We go out there and beat the demon general and kobold into the ground. The General and Strategist can focus on protecting the Hero. I think that should be fine.”
“Captain.”
Ditore shook his head. After letting out a sigh, Poro turned to look at the young Hero.
“Just keep things brief, as always. And tell us what we must do, Sir Hero.”
Once again, the expression on the boy’s face was completely different from what Poro expected.
His brows had narrowed, and he grimaced from pain.
“What’s with that look on your face?! You’re going to start acting your age, now!? You really only care about yourself!”
“Stop! The others are watching us!”
“Shut up! How did things end up like this! What happened to our god!? Is he taking a nap!?”
“Whether or not he wakes up will depend on this battle.”
The strategist said coldly as he stood in front of Poro.
“How long do you intend to whine and blame others? I do not recall ever enlisting infants into this army.”
“…But you’ve noticed it too…haven’t you? We’ve been abandoned.”
“If that were the case, then you would be a powerless farmer. Am I wrong?”
Startled, Poro looked down at the tag hanging around his neck.
It was still functioning.
“We must defeat the enemy in order to win the favor of the Seer. And so I will do my best.”
“Ah…is that right? How very reassuring. Then why don’t you put that cute little head of yours to work and come up with a brilliant plan…”
Suddenly, his vision shook.
Pain shot through his cheek, and when he looked up, Meshe was standing in front of him. Her cheeks were flushed with anger.
“Have you woken up now? Or do you need a few more?”
“Y…you…”
“Hold yourself together, Captain! The Seer turns his back on us for a moment, and you’re already crying like some little girl?!”
Poro held his stinging cheek and stared at Meshe in astonishment.
“Little girl… You’re one to talk!”
“Then you are even worse than a little girl. If you are so scared of battle, then you should surrender your tag and go home. We will handle the rest here.”
Meshe’s eyes glistened and her back was straight as she stared at him.
As the confusion and tension faded away, a sense of self-loathing over having lost his composure began to well up inside of him.
“…I’m sorry.”
He sighed and then turned back to the Hero.
“Let’s hear your plan. And if it is satisfactory, I’ll obey.”
“Very well. That’s fine.”
He had no intention of accepting him. Still, he had no choice but to fight right now.
With this resolve in his heart, Poro listened to the Hero’s words.